Column: MSTC a fundamental ingredient of the American Dream

Mid-State Technical College, or MSTC, prepares our students with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in our local workforce; this training creates many benefits that ripple throughout our region. Here are some of the many reasons individuals, businesses and even entire communities benefit from MSTC every day.

Affordability. MSTC students acquire in-demand skills while saving money and trimming two or more years off of their degree. Students dive right into the classes that give them the skills they need to be successful in their chosen career. MSTC graduates leave with less debt than a four-year institution and have a two-year head start on earning a salary. In fact, an MSTC associate degree holder can earn $400,000 more over their lifetime than someone with a high school credential.

Opportunity. The word is out - businesses hire MSTC graduates. MSTC's long established reputation for excellent instruction is substantiated by the fact that nearly nine out of 10 graduates have jobs within six months of graduation. Why such great job placement success? Our graduates acquire the skills local employers desire. Students enhance their resumes with program internships and other real-world opportunities. Graduates also benefit from the many connections faculty have in their respective fields.

Civic engagement. Students learn about interpersonal communication, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork and leadership skills they need to become well-rounded, civic-minded and engaged members of our communities.

Community. Educated individuals positively affect our communities. According to The College Board (a national education association), as education level increases, volunteerism and voting rates also increase while poverty rates, social program expenditures, unemployment rates and incarceration rates decrease. Moreover, MSTC brings grant dollars into our communities and many people make use of MSTC's indoor and outdoor areas for meetings, events, recreation and cultural opportunities. Our communities invest in our students who in turn invest back into our communities.

Healthy local workforce and economy. The strong majority of MSTC graduates stay right here in central Wisconsin, contributing to our tax coffers, igniting innovation and strengthening our economy. Local business and industry also prosper when they have access to a skilled workforce.

It is a sobering fact that the state of Wisconsin will need to replace one-third of its workforce by 2018, mostly due to the retirements of baby boomers. At least 54 percent of Wisconsin's jobs in the next decade will require technical education. MSTC will be an important player as we prepare to address these facts and keep central Wisconsin's economy vibrant and healthy. To learn more, call 888-575-6782, or stop by any of our four locations in Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids.